Mangaluru: The 12th annual ‘Bhavaikyateya Deepavali Sambhramacharane’, aimed at promoting communal harmony and interfaith unity, will be held on Nov 8 at Sri Gorakshanatha Jnana Mandira near Kadri Park under the leadership of MLC Ivan D’Souza.Addressing the media Saturday, organising committee convener J Nagendra Kumar said the annual celebration brings people of different faiths together to mark festivals and strengthen communal bonds.“For the last 11 years, under the guidance of MLC Ivan D’Souza, we have celebrated Deepavali, Christmas, and Ramzan as symbols of harmony with the unified participation of people from all religions. This year, to mark the Deepavali festival, we have organised Bharatanatyam, drawing, and Goodudeepa competitions alongside cultural programmes,” Kumar said.The celebrations will begin at 1.30pm with competitions and cultural events. Bharatanatyam competitions will carry cash prizes of up to Rs 25,000 for the winning teams.A religious harmony meeting will be the evening’s main highlight. Sri Esha Vittaldas Swamiji of Kemar Mutt will inaugurate the stage programme. Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho and Karnataka Rajyotsava awardee H Hasanabba Charmadi will be among the chief guests.MCC commissioner Rahul Ratnam Pandey will inaugurate the respective competitions. Yakshagana artiste Arshiya Khan will also be felicitated during the programme.
